Horror/Thriller ‘Messenger of Wrath’ Features Local Actor

Actor Gopal Lalwani, 25, of Queens has a role in the soon-to-be-released feature film “Messenger of Wrath,” a horror/thriller about a neglected 12-year-old girl, Charlotte, who faces masked invaders breaking into her home late one night. While trying to escape, she learns of a far more dangerous threat lurking outside.

The independent film will be released Friday, Oct. 27, on Amazon Prime. It premiered Sept. 7 at Bow Tie Cinemas in Red Bank, N.J.

Lalwani, a native of New Jersey, plays “Loco,” one of the home invaders who sets himself apart from the others with his unpredictability.

“Loco in my opinion is the most entertaining character in the movie,” Lalwani said. “He likes to follow his instincts and sometimes can get carried away with his feelings. In most people’s eyes, Loco is disliked.”

There were many running jokes on the set, thanks to Lalwani, said Ryan Callaway, producer and director of the film.

“Gopal’s a really nice guy, and has a great sense of humor, but when it came to playing Loco, he was terrifying when he needed to be,” Callaway said. “Loco is probably the biggest villain in the film, but he’s also a human being with real emotions. Gopal was able to bring all of that out in front of the camera.”

Lalwani played an important role in the film, which is Callaway’s fourth movie in three years.

“Messenger of Wrath came about because I wanted to accomplish two things,” Ryan said. “Remake my first actual short film, which I shot in 2009, and also, I’ve always been a big fan of home invasion movies. I thought it would be cool to have a kid home alone when the scary stuff goes down. That’s not usually a perspective you see in these types of films.”

Although Lalwani’s daytime job is construction, he has roles in seven films, such as “Hi, I am Sam” and “The Translator,” two Web series, and seven theatrical plays. He attended Lee Strasberg Institute for his acting training. His goal is to continue gaining more acting experience, landing solid representation, and someday move to Los Angeles.

“While filming The Messenger of Wrath, I had a great time on set,” Lalwani said. “The cast bonded and became very close to each other.”